an endeavor to share my crafty and cooking adventures
and maybe a little family, too.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Stitchy Steps

I have recently been asked by friends who don't stitch, how do I get started with a project and then what are the steps. I am no expert but I am happy to share my process.

Step 1: Choose a pattern. Sometimes I choose a printed pattern that I trace using my new handy-dandy light box, other times I might use a transfer pattern. I so want to be one of those artistic types that can design their own pattern from scratch but that is not me. I am hoping my artistic daughter will design some patterns. For this hoop monogram with tassel I chose it from a book of iron-on transfer patterns I purchased at Hobby Lobby. I am sure I help keep that store in business. ;)

Step 2: Choose your fabric. If you are tracing your pattern on to the fabric you can use almost any type but when using an iron-on transfer the fabric has to be heat tolerant.

I chose an Osnaberg linen type fabric that I had in my stash.

Step 3: Prepare the fabric by determining the amount you need and then pressing it with an iron to remove any wrinkles.

Step 4: Cut the transfer pattern and iron it on to the fabric following pattern package directions or trace your pattern on to the fabric.

Step 5: Hoop the fabric in to a working hoop. I like to use a plastic hoop for embroidering. There are those that do not use a hoop at all. I like the stabilization a hoop gives the fabric.

Step 6: Choose the thread color/colors you want to use in your project. This project is for one thread choice. Sometimes I may pull out 30 colors to choose when doing a multi-color project, like here.

Step 7: Stitch! I would say this my favorite part but I also really enjoy choosing pattern, fabric, thread, etc. For wonderful instructions on embroidery stitches, I like to go shiny happy world blog and her wonderful free instructions.

Step 8: Decide how you will finish off your project. I painted a small wooden hoop. There are so many options from framing or adding it in to a sewn piece, etc. I am sending this hoop as part of the Happy Hour Christmas in July exchange. My recipient, Leslie Marquez Designs, asked for supplies for her jewelry designs and I wanted to add a little something extra. She had shared colors in her home and I decided a brown hoop with this M monogram would be a good addition to the supplies.

Step 9: After completing the stitching and allowing the hoop to dry, I placed the stitched piece in to the finishing hoop. Then I trimmed around the edges leaving enough to fold around to the back and stitch a running stitch to gather the fabric.

Step 10: Finishing the back. I chose to cut a piece of felt and stitch it to the back of the piece for a finished look.

And there you have it. My little monogram embroidery stitched from beginning to the end.

26 comments:

thanks for the tutorial! sewing, stitching, knitting, etc... i have NO IDEA how to do any of them. seriously, a sewing machine intimidates me. (threading them seems abysmally difficult!) But i KNOW that so many crafts are closed off to me simply because of my fear of all-things-thread.

so thanks for this easy walk through on stitching. i think i can start with this!

Meegan, Thanks so much for stopping by. And I am so glad you feel comfortable getting started. DON'T FEAR THE THREAD! Seriously, you can do it. If you have any questions or need some encouragement, I am here for you!

I love this post. I too like to stitch, but I have never done anything like this. I might have to give it a try! I'm your newest follower and i'd love to have you stop by and give me your thoughts on a few of my projects: dosmallthingswithlove.blogspot.com

What a great job! I'm impressed especially with the way you finish the product. I always just used to take sharp scissors and trim as close the hoop as possible, and perhaps hot-glue on a piece of felt. Your work is wonderful and would allow to re-tighten the piece if necessary!

Hi Pam, Thank you for popping by & leaving a sweet comment on my blog recently. This is a great tutorial. I haven't done any stitching for a LONG time, but this makes me want to do a project again. Thanks for the inspiration.

I love your monogram! I used to embroider all the time, but then sewing seemed to take over. I really like that you finished the back. Maybe I'll make one, a pretty easy project! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success!

Thanks, Cathy! I have been doing so much embroidery because it is so portable and we have traveled a ton over the last 6 months. I am ready to sit down at my sewing machine! Thanks for always hosting a great Par.tay!